1
general::
1. Surpassing a goal or quota, as in The new salesmen are excellent; they were over the top within the first six months. [Mid-1900s] 2. Over the parapet of a military trench, as in The lieutenant sent fresh troops over the top. This usage dates from World War I. 3. Extreme, outrageous, as in This comedian's style goes over the top. [Slang; late 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): over the top
1. Fig. having gained more than one’s goal. • Our fund-raising campaign went over the top by $3,000. • We didn’t go over the top. We didn’t even get half of what we set out to collect. 2. Fig. outrageously overdone. • The comedy sketch was so over-the-top that most of the audience was embarrassed.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs